BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Two organizations are giving back to local and formerly homeless veterans by beautifying their living spaces and honoring fellow heroes.
Jerry Crowder, is a veteran and member of the California Veterans Assistance Foundation, a non-profit organization, providing services to at-risk, homeless and low-income veterans and their families.
"So if you are out there and need help come here they have all the resources you need to get back on your feet," Crowder said. "You just got to work the program."
CVAF helps homeless veterans transition to independency.
Crowder who was once homeless says the program and staff members are making a difference.
They’re working to remind veterans and their families they are here to help.
"They are veterans and they served time and defended our country we appreciate it," said Melissa Rodriguez, a lead case manager at CVAF.
"A lot of us who work here are veterans and we just want to help."
Thursday the CVAF received more than just help but an act of kindness from Chevron and Stantec who teamed up to enhance the veterans living quarters.
During the past three days, the organization's volunteers finished off by throwing them a barbecue to show their appreciation for their services.
"I am a vet myself and that’s part of it and giving back to other veterans in our community," said Dan Vassar, senior project facilities engineer Chevron. "The barbecue puts an exclamation point on the effort we made here today and gives us the opportunity to break bread with the veterans that live here."
The volunteers from the two organizations donated patio furniture, restored their favorite horseshoe game and painted the facility’s doors throughout the campus.
"It really is just important all the way around for the homeless situation all homeless needs to help in some fashion and this gives the veterans hope that people still care," Crowder said.
CVAF wants to remind the community if you know a veteran in need to reach out to them and if you would like to donate be sure to follow this link.
